David Ige - Community Notices

Congratulations to Momilani Elementary for "making the grade" as one of Hawaii's 20 Distinguished Schools of 2006!

"The Hawaii Distinguished Schools Program honors elementary and secondary schools that make significant progress in closing the achievement gap or whose students achieve at the highest levels.... Frito-Lay of Hawaii established the Hawaii's Outstanding Public Schools Program in 1985, which elvolved into the Hawaii Blue Ribbon Schools Program in 1988. It was renamed the Hawaii Distinguished Schools Program in 2003. Schools are evaluated by a panel of judges on criteria based on academic accountability targets and acceptable growth in reading and mathematics as required by the No Child Left Behind Act.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, the No Child Left Behind -- Blue Ribbon Schools program is a national recognition program that honors public and private K-12 schools that are achieving in the top 10 percent of schools in their states or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement."

-"Hawaii's Exemplary Schools." Na Lono Kula - The News of the School Dec. 2005: 1.

Momilani has been a consistent contender for the annual "No Child Left Behind - Blue Ribbon Schools" program, selected as a National Award winner in both 1996-7 and 2004.

Congratulations to the many student athletes of District 16 who were commended from their excellence in team sports in 2005!

GameBreakers:

• Softball player, Corrie Nishikida of Pearl City pitched a five-hitter to help the Chargers defeat Kapolei, 1-0. (as reported by 12/13/05 Honolulu Advertiser, D6)
  

Oahu Interscholastic Association's Women's Volleyball All-Stars:

• Player of the Year: Lelani Klemen-Maeva of Aiea.
  
• Coach of the Year: Blythe Yamamoto of Aiea.
  
• First Team: Stacey Iwahashi, Jasmine Pahukoa-Malia, and Tazha Passi of Pearl City, and Lelani Kleman-Maeva and Michelle Shiroma of Aiea.
  
• Second Team: Marina Gusman-Brown of Pearl City and Brandi Pascua-Aipa of Aiea.
  
• Honorable Mentions from Aiea: Tatiana Burgos, Tasha Johnson, Rachel Purcell.
  
• Honorable Mentions from Pearl City: Jessica Ige and Deena Tupinio.
  

Oahu Interscholastic Association's Men's Volleyball All-Stars:

• First Team: Abe Kauhane of Pearl City.
  
• Second Team: Reid Nobriga, Karlo Rarangol, and Michael Tanoue of Pearl City.
  
• Honorable Mentions from Pearl City: Jovi Casarez and Donovan Nieves.
  

Oahu Interscholastic Association's Football All-Stars:

• First Team Offense: Lofa Li'ili'i and Mako Malepeai of Aiea.
  
• First Team Defense: Issac Tuilaepa, Kapena Fonseca, Mana Ohia, and Justic Pucket of Aiea.
  
• Second Team Offense: Kali Kuia, Josh Blakemore, Lahaina Olsen-Kuroda, and Chris Anakalea of Aiea, and Chris Maake of Pearl City.
  
• Second Team Defense: Justin Hunt, Joe Mauga, Jerry Miller, and Adrian Labuda or Aiea.
  
• Honorable Mentions from Aiea: Mark Atta, Landon Dela Cruz, Malone Faumuina, Roland Foumai, Jeric Lake, Ataji Lani, Stili Malepeai, Alex Mauga, Nikova Sueoka.
  
• Honorable Mentions from Pearl City: Andrew Blue, Stacey Iilaban, Kendall Price, Robert Stoner.
  

Congratulations to Derek Chang, Grade 4 of Pearl City Highlands Elementary School for his honorable mention entry to the Board of Water Supply's yearly Water Conservation Calendar!

Click here to access the Board of Water Supply's site and download the 2006 Calendar! Calendars are also available at the Board of Water Supply, 630 South Beretania Street, while supplies last!

[As reported in the Honolulu Advertiser Hawaii Section on Thursday, January 19, 2006 edition by Advertiser Central O'ahu Writer, Rod Ohira]

Waimalu Elementary School gets the spotlight for the week as featured in the "Schools" section of the Honolulu Advertiser. In hopes of promoting reading amongst her students, Principal Kaylene Yee has promised to kiss a pig if reading goals are met. The idea, spawned from a children's book "Our Principal Promised To Kiss a Pig" by Kalli Dakos and Alicia DesMarteau, has inspired students and teachers to do their best to promote literacy amongst their school.

In additon, the school is profiled with little-known trivia and tid-bits of interest!

Also, a warm congratulations to Micah Lee for being the featured "All-Star Kid"! Although Micah suffers from a genetic disorder known as "osteogenesis imperfecta", he doesn't allow it to stop him from enjoying athletic activities and achieving academic success. Aside from being an active bowler, he is best known as the news anchor for the school's in-house program, "Warrior News".

A warm congratulations to all the winners of the 43rd Annual Hawaii Region of the Scholastic Art Awards held this past Saturday at 1132 Bishop Street. It is wonderful to see the quality of work and thoughtfulness of subject matter coming from Hawaii's talented youth!

Congratulations to all the winners from the 16th District:

• Phillip Madriaga - Aiea Intermediate


• Melanie Minami - Aiea High School


• Rachel Gertz - Highlands Intermediate


• Alex Nakamoto - Highlands Intermediate


• Mika Key Verdida - Aiea Intermediate


• Shannon Webb - Aiea Intermediate


• Thuy Ny Le - Aiea Intermediate

All of their artwork, as well as photos from the event, are available for view in the site gallery. (Under Session 2006 > 43rd Annual Hawaii Scholastic Art Awards)

I encourage all to drop by the old First Hawaiian Bank building/the current HPU annex on Fort Street Mall (1132 Bishop Street). The gallery is open for view from 8am to 4pm on the Upper Level Lobby. The display will be up for view from January 29th - March 1st. Don't miss this opportunity to see the beautiful artwork by students from all over the islands.

Also, the coordinators would also like the public to attend February's "First Friday" Opening Reception on February 3rd at 4pm. Click Here for a PDF of the event postcard.

Free validated parking for up to 1/2 hour at the lobby Security Desk. Parking entrance is the third driveway/ewa side of Bishop Street after crossing Beretania.

Also, there will be televised coverage of the Scholastic Awards on Channel 56 during the month of March on "Student Connections". Be sure to tune in!

[As reported in the Honolulu Advertiser on Sunday, February 5, 2006 edition by Advertiser Staff Writer, Wes Nakama.]

Congratulations to the Pearl City High School Girls Softball team winning the state softball championships! They played spectacularly against the defending Division I champions, the Mililani Trojans, defeating them 2-1. This is the first time the Pearl City Chargers have won the state championships since 1992!

Be sure to visit the Honolulu Advertiser's photo gallery covering the state softball championship!

(Additional note on 02.07.06):
Congratulations to Corrie Nishikida and Marina Gusman-Brown for being chosen as Tuesday's Honolulu Advertiser's High School Sports GameBreakers.

Also congratulations to Kanani Numata, Sanoe Aina, Marina Gusman-Brown, Shanna Vierra, and Corrie Nishikida for making the Advertiser's Division I All-State Tournament Team!

(Click here to see the official Advertiser scoop!.)

(Click here to read the Star-Bulletin's scoop on this team's achievements!). - from the Wednesday edition of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin 02.08.06

[As reported in the Honolulu Advertiser Hawaii Briefs on Friday, January 27, 2006 edition by Advertiser Staff Writers and the Star Bulletin News Watch on Saturday, February 11, 2006 edition by Star Bulletin Staff Writers.]

Congratulations to Pearl City High School Vice Principal Mark Tanji for being selected as the Hawaii State Assistant Principal of the Year by the Hawaii Association of Secondary Administrators.

To quote both papers, "[Mr. Tanji], the association praised his advocacy for young people, collaborative leadership style, patience and tenacity.

Mr. Tanji will be awarded at the National Association of Secondary School Principals conference in Washington D.C. this spring.

(Click here to view the official article at honoluluadvertiser.com)

(Click here to view the Star Bulletin's article clipping.)

Congratulations to Joshua Echols, an eighth-grader at Our Savior Lutheran School in Aiea for becoming the new Central District Spelling Bee champion! After successfully completing twenty rounds, Joshua sealed his win after correctly spelling two words, “haggis” and “taphonomy” in succession.

Best wishes to Joshua Echols, as he prepares for the state level of competition in March!

[As reported in the Honolulu Advertiser Local News/ Hawaii Briefs on Thursday, February 16, 2006 edition by Advertiser Staff Writers.]

Congratulations to Momilani Elementary fifth-grader, Evan Lin for winning an award in elementary piano at the Oahu Arts Center's third annual Mozart Festival!

First place winner, Ren Martin Doike, and all other winners (including Evan Lin) will perform in a 7pm concert on February 25th at the University of Hawaii's Orvis Auditorium. Tickets to the concert, priced at $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger, can be purchased at the door or by calling 848-7632.

(Click here to view the online article.)

[As seen on the Honolulu Advertiser's High School Sports by Staff Writers, Tuesday, February 28, 2006 edition: (Click here to see the online article.)
As seen on the Honolulu Advertiser's High School Sports by Staff Writer, Wes Nakama, Tuesday, February 28, 2006 edition: (Click here to see the online article.)]

Congratulations to Lauren Fujisaki, Kanani Numata, Moki Opunui, Corrie Nishikida, and Marina Gusman-Brown from Pearl City High School for being chosen as the Oahu Interscholastic Association's Red Conference Western Division First Team players. Star players Corrie Nishikida and Marina Gusman-Brown are also placed on the Second Team while Sanoe Aina, Noelle Hirahara, Kiana Meniola, Nicole Oki, and Allycia Watanabe are Honorable Mentions.

Aiea High School also has a number of star softball players who made the OIA White Conference First and Second Team. Congratulations to Tasha Johnson, Rayna Strom-Okimoto, Ashley Scharsch, and Pi'ilani Boner-Lee! I would also like to extend my congratulations to Sasha Andrade as an OIA White Honorable Mention!

[Taken from a press release from Irene Yamashita from the D.O.E.]

The fourth annual Island Movie Contest sponsored by the D.O.E.'s Advanced Technology Research Branch, the Audio Visual Co. and Apple Computers, recognized the contest winners at the e-School Conference on February 10 at the Hawaii Convention Center. Ninety-eight entries from 33 schools entered in the digital storytelling contest with approximately 400 public school students demonstrating their creative writing and movie making skills. Here are the list of winners from the various categories:

A. TEACH ME SOMETHING

• Elementary: “Healthy Eating Habits” - Kipapa Elementary School


• Middle: “Lazy Life, Lazy Mind” - Kaimuki Middle School


• High: “A Dream Lost” - Aiea High School

B. TELL ME A STORY

• Elementary: “The Mice and the Myna Birds” - Lunalilo Elementary School


• Middle: “Tommy Kono the Champion” - Ma`ili Elementary School


• High: “Special Friends” - Kealakehe High School

C. ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS / SOCIAL ISSUES

• Elementary: “The Adventures of Opala Man and Serenity” - Lunalilo Elementary School


• Middle: “Vermiculture” - Lanikai Elementary PCS School


• High: “The Plight of the Coqui” - Kaiser High School

Grand Overall Winner of the Island Movie Contest went to Maili Elementary School for, "Tommy Kono the Champion".
For more information about this contest and past winners, visit the Island Movie Website.

Congratulations to Aiea High School students for winning the high school division for "Teach Me Something"!

[Found in HECO's Consumer Lines Volume XXV - No. 3, March 2006 edition]

Congratulations to all students from across our state who participated in the 13th Annual Hawaii Science Bow on January 28, 2006. The top five finishers, in order were Iolani, Hilo High, Punahou, Waiakea High, and Pearl City High!

According to Eileen Yoshinaka, Pacific Liason for the U.S. Department of Energy and a board member of the Hawaii Science Bowl, "Hawaii Science Bowl promotes passion for learning and teaches students to compete, both attributes that help students succeed later in life".

[View the HHSAA's official site for more information! Click Here.]

Congratulations to:

+ Tricia Miura of Pearl City High School for making the 2006 HHSAA/Meadow Gold Dairies Girls Soccer State Championships All-Tournament Team!

+ Nicholas Pait of Pearl City High School as the Champion of the Boys Wrestling 145 pound division at the 2006 Wrestling State Championships. Also, I would like to recognize Matthew Higa (PC), Christian Pavo (PC), Harrison Flores (Aiea), Tyler Lauifi (PC), Paige Inouye (PC), Kaleiolani Souza (Aiea), and Pamela Higa (PC) for their notable performance at the championships!

+ The Pearl City High School Girls Swim Team for their strong effort at the 2006 HHSAA State Swimming & Diving Meet on Friday, February 24 & Saturday, Feburary 25, 2006 at Kamehameha Schools.

[As seen in the Honolulu Advertiser High School Sports Section on the Tuesday, March 14, 2006 edition.]

Congratulations to Travis Cruz from Pearl City High School for making the OIA West Basketball All-Star Second Team as a Guard.

For their notable performance, I would also like to congratulate Kali Kuia, Lofa Li'ili'i, and Jerry Miller of Aiea High School and Andrew Blue, Kawika Borden, and Karlo Rarangol of Pearl City High School!

(Click Here to view the online article and stats!)

Congratulations to the Joshua Echols, an eight-grader at Our Savior Lutheran, and Jordan Komoda a seventh grader, and Aldric Ulep, an eighth-grader at Highlands Intermediate School qualifiers from the Pearl City & Aiea districts!

We wish you the best of luck on Sunday, March 26th at the Honolulu Advertiser State Spelling Bee. Cheer them on at 5pm on K-5!

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser Monday, March 20, 2006 edition.]

Congratulations to Pearl City eleven year-old, Natasha Garcia for being named one of 99 semifinalists from the North American Build-A-Bear Workshops' Huggable Heroes program that honors youth volunteerism. According to the news brief, Natasha was "cited for her work with the Juvinile Diabetes Research Foundation."

According to the Huggable Heroes site, "Natasha's compassion and commitment to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation has been demonstrated in many ways including participating in Walk for a Cure and lobbying and offering testimony for a house bill called the Glucagon Bill."

Twelve winners will recieve a $2,500 donation to their chosen cause and be featured in the 2007 calendar.

Thank you for all your charitable works and we wish you the best of luck, Natasha!

(Click here to view the article at the honoluluadvertiser.com.)

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser - Tuesday, March 21, 2006 edition]

The Pearl City High School Chargers Softball Team make the headlines again, this time to recognize their star players and coach in the 2006 All-State Team named by the Honolulu Advertiser.

Coach Keoke Behic is rightly named the Coach of the Year after a vote of 12 coaches and members of the media.

Marina Gusman-Brown takes top honors as the First Team All-State Utility and Player of the Year. Fellow seniors, Kanani Numata and Corrie Nishikida also join her in the First Team as Second Basemand and Pitcher, respectively.

Moki Opunui makes the Second Team All-State Team as an outfielder while Lauren Fujisaki, Sanoe Aina, and Shanna Vierra are Honorable Mentions.

Last, but not least, Ashley Scharsch from Aiea High School is noted as an Honorable Mention as Pitcher.

(Click here to view the full honoluluadvertiser.com story!)

[Taken from the StarBulletin.com site on March 11, 2006]

Congratulations to all the students from our district schools who are nominated to various service academies.

Nominees of U.S. Sens. Daniel Akaka and Daniel Inouye and U.S. Reps. Ed Case and Neil Abercrombie to service academies for the July class:

U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.
» Gian Mark D. Agni, University of Hawaii at Manoa
» Christopher J. Aguilar, Waimea High School, Kauai
» Patience Bediako, Leilehua High School
» Sean A. Dunham, Punahou School
» Michael Y. Eide, Damien Memorial School
» Allen M. Gervacio Jr., Campbell High School
» Kelsey Kaneshiro, Punahou School
» Christopher Kardos, Saint Louis School
» Jason K. Mahuna, Kamehameha Hawaii campus
» Reyn H. Mossman, Kapaa High School
» Frank W. Speetjens, Kauai High School
» Erica Bailey K. Suzuki, Campbell High School
» Daniel A. Tortuga, Punahou School
» Benny T. Tran, Damien Memorial School
» Bradley J. Wee, Hanalani Schools

U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md.
» Gian Mark D. Agni, University of Hawaii at Manoa
» Alan C. Alegre, Pearl City High School
» Sean A. Dunham, Punahou School
» Michael Y. Eide, Damien Memorial School
» Savannah L. Frank, Radford High School
>> Carolyn M. Horiye, Sacred Hearts Academy
» Laura N. Hudson, Waimea High School
» Wesley I. Jahraus, home-schooled
» Kelsey Ann Kaneshiro, Punahou School
» Jason K. Mahuna, Kamehameha Hawaii campus
» Weixin Matsuoka, New York University, Tisch School of the Arts
» Christina S. Pryne, Sacred Hearts Academy
» Talitha K. Richards, Sacred Hearts Academy
» Scott Shaw, Honolulu Community College
» Erica Bailey K. Suzuki, Campbell High School
» Daniel A. Tortuga, Punahou School
» William E. Wilkerson, Naval Academy Preparatory School

U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs
» Gian Mark D. Agni, University of Hawaii at Manoa
» Christopher J. Aguilar, Waimea High School
» Stephen D. Albano, Mililani High School
» Alan C. Alegre, Pearl City High School
» Bailey A. Ball, Lahainaluna High School
» Carsen F. Chun, U.S. Air Force Academy Prep School
» Ian S. Diaz, Mililani High School
» Sean A. Dunham, Punahou School
» Michael Y. Eide, Damien Memorial School
» Jason S.K. Fung, U.S. Air Force Academy Prep School
» Laura N. Hudson, Waimea High School, Kauai
» Wesley I. Jahraus, home-schooled
» Howard Knapp, Campbell High School
» Jason K. Mahuna, Kamehameha Hawaii campus
» Matthew B. Orvis, Kealakehe High School
» Talitha K. Richards, Sacred Hearts Academy
» Alexander J. Shin, Kapolei High School
» Frank W. Speetjens, Kauai High School
» Erica Bailey K. Suzuki, Cambell High School
» Daniel A. Tortuga, Punahou School

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y.
» Gian Mark D. Agni, University of Hawaii at Manoa
» Shanon L. Arnold, Kapolei High School
» Sean A. Dunham, Punahou School
» Michael Y. Eide, Damien Memorial School
» Allen M. Gervacio Jr., Campbell High School
» Carolyn M. Horiye, Sacred Hearts Academy
» Benjamin Inouye, New Mexico Military Institute
» Jason K. Mahuna, Kamehameha Hawaii campus
» Weixin Masuoka, New York University
» Reyn H. Mossman, Kapaa High School
» Lester P. Orsino, Waipahu High School
» Talitha K. Richards, Sacred Hearts Academy
» Erica Bailey K. Suzuki, Campbell High School
» Benny T. Tran, Damien Memorial Schoo

Congratulations and good luck in all your future endeavors!

(Click here to view the article on StarBulletin.com.)

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser's Tuesday, March 28, 2006 edition - High School Sports]

Congratulations to Aiea High School's Mark Atta and Mason Puckett for their notable performance on and off the field in 2006. Both have been named as Honorable Mentions to the 2006 Honolulu Advertiser All-State Soccer Team.

(Click here to view the honoluluadvertiser.com article.)

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser, Tuesday, March 29, 2006 edition.]

Congratulations to the Honolulu Advertister All-State Team picks from the district!

All-State Second Team: Ambree Ako of Aiea High School and Nestle Yamaguchi of Pearl City High School

And for their notable performance and being chosen as Honorable Mentions: Lauren Maeshiro and Keilyn Tanimoto of Pearl City High School and Jaecie Kato, Michelle Kam, and Michelle Shiroma of Aiea High School

(Click Here to view the honoluluadvertiser.com online article.)

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser, Tuesday April 4, 2006 edition of High School Sports.]

The Oahu Interscholastic Association has just named its Wrestling All-Stars of 2006!

Congratulations to Matthew Higa (Aiea), Joshua Obena (Pearl City), Nicholas Pait (Pearl City), Christian Pave (Pearl City) and Seth Ohia (Aiea) who made Boys Western Division First Team All-Stars. Bill Takeuchi, Michael Peralta, Mark Passi-Olo, and Tyler Lauifi of Pearl City were chosen for the Boys Western Division Second Team All-stars.

As for the girls,Ren Yamashita (Aiea), Paige Inouye (Pearl City), Kaleolani Souza (Aiea), and Pamela Higa (Pearl City) were picked as the Girls Western Division Second Team All-Stars.

Congratulations to all our district wrestling OIA All-Stars!

(Click here for the honoluluadvertiser.com article.)

[Taken from the Highlands Intermediate School PTSA monthly newsletter - April 2006 edition]

This has apparently been a good month for the students from Highlands Intermediate School!

Congratulations to:

• The HIS Chess Team for coming in 1st place in the State Chess Championship. Team members Nathan Nakamoto (also the 1st Place overall and 1st Place 8th Grade), Zachary Prosco, Tyler Oho-Watt, Thaddeus Padua, Jesse Ono, Marissa Wai (also 3rd Place Overall, 1st Place 7th Grade, and Top Performer of the Year at the Intermediate Level) all performed at the top of their game!


• The HIS Math Team for placing 4th in the District Competition! Team members Taro Kobayashi, Jordan Lum, Sean Luster, and Aldric Ulep will all be moving on to the State Competition!


• Jasmine Gatdula for winning Honorable Mention in the State Library's Letters to the Author contest!


• The HIS Robotics Team for placing Honorable Mention in the 2006 National Botball Research and Website Design Challenge! Congratulations to Sia Ah Kiong, Naomi Burkhard, Devin Jeremiah, Lauren Sampson, Arisha Cabrido, Adam Burgo, Kim Byun, Johanna Linschoten, Danielle Sanico, and Dalen Miyashiro!

In addtion, we will be keeping track of all the students who will be competing at the State History Day Competition on April 8th! Congratulations to Sean Chang, Kelsey Kawaguchi, Erika Knudson, Evan Schlaisch, Ren Tachino, Kristen Valdez, and Tyler Yafuso who competed in at the March 11th Leeward District History Day Competition. Good luck to you all!

As a final note, the Highlands Intermediate VICA group came to visit us at the State Capitol this morning! Visit our Session 2006 gallery to view photos from their visit!

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser, Tuesday April 11, 2006 edition]

Congratulations to Shirley Yamamura of Pearl City for craftily decorating the egg that will represent our state at the 2006 State Egg Display at the White House! Her easter egg, decorated with the likeness of the Aloha Tower, was chosen by the American Egg Board to participate in the annual display!

Since 1994, 51 decorated Easter eggs (one from each state and the District of Columbia) are sent to the White House Visitor Center from April 6th through April 24th. Each year the artists vote amongst themselves to select the artist to create the following year’s commemorative egg which is presented to the President and First Lady.

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser High School Sports, Tuesday, April 18, 2006 edition]

Congratulations to the Pearl City High School girls who were named OIA Western Division Swimming All-Stars!

OIA Western Division Girls Player of the Year: Sarah Billiamosa

OIA Western Division Girls Coach of the Year: Ken Suenaga

OIA Western Division Girls First Team: Shanelle Choi, Delilah Bista, Tasha Takeshita

OIA Western Division Girls Second Team: Sarah Billiamosa, Shanelle Choi, Shelby Takeshita

Congratulations on your spectacular performance in 2006!

(Click here to view the official column.)

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser "People" Section, Wednesday, April 19, 2006 edition. Submitted by Derek Paiva, Advertiser Staff Writer]

Congratulations to Pearl Ridge Elementary School for coming in a strong second in Reynolds Recycling's 2006 Cans for Cash Challenge! The school receives $500 from Castle & Cooke and two tickets to the Kokua Festival on Saturday from recording artist, Jack Johnson's Kokua Hawaii Foundation.

Jack Johnson and Lt. Governor James "Duke" Aiona will present the schools with their award checks on Friday at a ceremony held at the Waikiki Shell. Both schools will also earn the HI-5 recycling redemption value of their collected recyclables.

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser "Schools" section, Thursday, April 20, 2006 edition]

Congratulations to Elijah Sanchez of Aiea High School, a recipient of the 2006 Horatio Alger National Scholarship from the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans!

As one of the 107 recipients of the $10,000 scholarship reward, Elijah stood out from the more than 20,000 high school senior applicants from around the country. All applicants had to demonstrate through their writing integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, a good academic record, a commitment to pursue a college education, and the desire to contribute to society.

In addition to the $10,000 scholarship, Elijah will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. for the National Scholars Conference - a four-day firsthand exploration of the opportunities available in America's free enterprise system.

Congratulations Elijah Sanchez on your outstanding achievement!

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser's Neighbors section of the Friday, April 28, 2006 edition]

Congratulations to Ahromi Wang of Pearl City High School for winning the Hawaii Publishers Association 2006 Cover Art & Design Award!

Ahromi competed against entrants from high schools throughout the state. Awards were presented on Thursday, April 17th at the Pagoda Hotel.

(Click here to view the full article.)

[Taken from a press release from the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council]

Congratulations to Kimberly Rivera of Pearl City High School for being one of 20 public high school recipents ofthe Summer Study Tour Scholarship. Kimberly will serve as a gracious representative of the 50th state and undoubtedly form lasting relationships with all she meets.

"A life-changing experience lies ahead for the students. This tour, scheduled for June 19-July 5, will give students the chance to explore Japanese history, culture, and modern society. They will focus on the historical and contemporary relationships between Japan and the outside world, and meet with international, educational, diplomatic and business entities active in Japan. The students will visit Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and Okinawa."

[Taken from Waiau Elementary School's monthly news bulletin "News from Us to You", May 2006 edition]

Congratulations to third grader Samuel Motonaga and fourth grader Deija-Lyn Kaneaiakala of Waiau Elementary School for their sharing their artistic talents with thier community!

Samuel Motonaga won the Drug Free Poster Contest held at Zippy's Pearl City!

Deija-Lyn Kaneaiakala was a winner in the Mokichi Okada Association's "Beauty Through the Eyes of Our Children". Her artwork will be on exhibit at the Honolulu Academy of Arts Center at Linekona from June 3-11! Exhibit hours from Tuesday to Saturday are 10-4:30pm and 1-5pm on Sunday.

[Taken from the Aiea High School news bulletin, "AHS News", May 2006 edition.]

Congratulations to Aiea High School senior, Melanie Minami for receiving the prestigious National Scholastic Arts and Writing Silver Award for her portfolio and "Kokeshi" drawing. (Click here to view her award winning "Kokeshi" drawing in our online gallery!)

Melanie and her instructor, Ms. Wendy Larrow attended the award ceremony held on May 16th.

Melanie has also been a 2-year contributor to the Capitol Artist Program, an annual program to exhibit artwork from students in our district. Her beautiful and inspiring artwork has graced our halls and walls during session and impressed our staff and visitors alike. We all wish Melanie the best in her collegiate years and hope she will continue her artistic endeavors.

[Taken from the Aiea High School news bulletin, "AHS News", May 2006 edition.]

Congratulations to teachers Corena Talioaga and co-advisor, Ken Kang and their Video Production students for the many awards they have garnered this past year!

• David Han, Kyton Fung, Michelle Diehl, and Jackie Lamug won first place for their video, "A Dream Lost" in the Island Movie contest (High School Division, Category: Teach Me Something) on February 12, 2006.


• Michael Donato and Kaylyn Dunhour placed first in the SkillsUSA Hawaii Convention Exhibition TV/Video Production competition on April 5-7, 2006.


• Troy Uyeshiro and John-Patrick Whitaker were finalists at the 2006 HMSA Teen Video Awards contest. They were recognized at the red carpet Awards Ceremony on May 4, 2006.

Congratulations for all your hard work this past year!

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser.]

Congratulations to Jennifer Lam of Aiea High School and Marnelli Joy Basilio of Pearl City High School for being 2006 finalists for the Mamoru & Aiko Takitani Foundation Awards, better known as the founders of Hawaiian Host.

Both students will receive a $1000 scholarship to further their academic pursuits!

"In its desire to give back to the local community, the Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation's scholarship program for high school seniors recognizes students who embody hard work, innovation, and commitment to excellence and assists winners through financial contribution toward furthering their higher education.

Founded in 1993, the Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation has provided more than $700,000 in scholarships to students from virtually every accredited, eligible high school in the State of Hawai'i. The Foundation offers individual scholarships of $1,000 to an outstanding graduating senior nominated by each qualifying high school in the State. Ten finalists chosen by the Foundation's Scholarship committee will receive an additional $1,000 scholarship. From this group, three of the ten scholarship finalists will receive the Foundation's top scholarship awards, two (2) $10,000 awards (total amount), and one (1) $5,000 award (total amount). Criteria used in the selection process includes consideration of financial need, academic and extra-curricular achievement, personal essay, and an individual's unique circumstances. Applications are available ONLY through the Counselors' Office at respective high schools and must be received by the stated deadline for consideration."

Visit the Takitani Foundation website for more information!

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser, May 10, 2006 edition.]

Congratulations to Britton Brooks, an Aiea High School alumnus and UH Manoa graduate for being one of the 2006-7 ambassadorial academic and university teacher scholarship winner from the Hawaii Rotary 5000 District!

Britton intends to attend the University of Oxford in England to study Anglo-Saxon to Medieval English. According to the Honolulu Advertiser article, Britton, who wants to be a college professor, has done Christian ministry work in Japan and spent the last summer studying archeaology at a dig site in Egypt.

(Click here for the honoluluadvertiser.com article!)

[As printed in the Honolulu Advertiser, Thursday, May 11, 2006 edition]

Congratulations to Brittney Ching, Co-Editor of Aiea High School's Ka Leo O 'Aiea, and Kristen Kaneshiro, Co-Editor-in-Chief of Pearl City High School's The Messenger for being named "Hawaii's Most Valuable High School Journalists of 2006!

According to the Honolulu Advertiser, "the Hawaii Publishers Association recognizes 34 of Hawaii's top high school journalists for their excellence in upholding the highest standards in journalism. Each has been an integral part in building his or her school newspaper into a credible and trustworthy voice throughout the year."

Congratulations for being a part of Hawaii's best! We look forward to all your future successes!

Congratulations to Earl Andueho, Mariel Joy Sagucio, Alyssa Rozade, Arlene Urmenete, and Monique Paogofie for participating in and being the Alvah Scott Elementary school winners for the Play-It-Safe poster contest, hosted by Play-It-Safe International, Inc.! Their postered helped to promote the idea of playing safe and smart in our communities during the "Play It Safe" month.

The students gathered on Friday, May 12th at the State Capitol, Governor's Chambers for the proclamation presentation and then recessed to Room 407 for the Poster Contest Awards & Presenation.

All sponsors and Honored guests are also invited to attend the "Majic of Safety" assemblies held at the various participating elementary schools throughout our island state!

As announced today on the KHON-2 news, Pearl City High School principal Gerald Suyama was named one of the two semi-finalists of the Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award sponsored by Island Insurance Foundation.

Other nominated principals are Norman Minehara of Leilehua High, Catherine Payne of Farrington High, Milton Shishido of McKinley High, Robert Stevens of Radford High, August Suehiro of Olomana School, Randy Yamanuha of Maui High and Gilmore Youn of Kapa'a High.

At a dinner ceremony on May 17th, the winner and two semi-finalists were announced. The winner recieved a $10,000 personal cash award plus $15,000 for a school project while the two semi-finalists each received a $2000 personal cash award.

Congratulations Mr. Suyama of Pearl City High School for all your years of hard work and dedication to bettering our schools!

Pearl City Elementary School has broken boundries and created a tremendous opportunity for its students and surrounding community be being selected as a 2006 NASA Explorer School. After a rigorous application and selection proecess, Pearl City Elementary School was chosen this year to be one of only 26 schools in the nation to participate in this prestigious program that provides unique opportunities to engage and educate future scientists who may someday wish to become a part of the history of space exploration.

From this award, Pearl City Elementary School will receive monies that will help it to expand its inventory of technological tools and equipment for students' use, and the program provides the school with classroom lessons and activities that will reinforce science curricula which will excite students about math and science.

As only two other schools in Hawaii have received this recognition, Pearl City Elementary School has distinguished itself as a progressive institute of education. As the first Hawaiian elementary school to win the designation, it places itself in the unique position to capture the minds and imagination of students from an even earlier age.

Pearl City Elementary School will celebrate this event on Thursday, May 25, 2006 at a mid-day school assembly.

Congratulations to a year of wonderful highs!

Pearl City Elementary School turns 50 this year!

As one of the first elementary schools to be established in our district, this is a wonderful distinction for the staff, students, and alumnai of the school alike. To celebrate, the school is hosting a celebration spaghetti dinner and gathering on the evening of May 24th.

As an alumnus myself, this is an exciting moment in Pearl City Elementary School's history!

[Taken from the Pearl City High School Monthly School Bulletin, June 2006, Volume 10, Number 11.]

Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients from the Pearl City High School graduating class of 2006!

• Marnelli Joy Basillio - Foodland Shop for Higher Education Scholarship, 2006 Youth Citizenship Award, Hawaii Union Builders Foundation Scholarship, Thomas H. Gentry Memorial Scholarship.
• Ka'Lena Cuevas - DePauw University Annual Fund Scholarship, DePauw University Holton Memorial Scholarship, DePauw LEAD Scholarship, DePauw Old Gold Honor Award.
• Jennelle Daite - Hawaii Pacific University Spirit Club Scholarship, Longs Senior Scholarship.
• Jessica Fabrigas - Foodland Shop for Higher Education Scholarship, Thomas H. Gentry Memorial Scholarship, Filipino Women's League Scholarship.
• Marjorie Jones - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Scholarship
• Ty Kobashigawa - Senator David Y. Ige Scholarship, Hawaii USA Federal Credit Union Scholarship.
• Christian Luis - DeVry Dean's Scholarship
• Denise Muramoto - Burger King Scholars Program
• Dane Nakagawa - Foodland Shop for Higher Education Scholarship
• Kori Oshiro - Leeward Partnership Scholarship
• Sharon Sakuda - University of Oregon WUE Scholarship
• Jaren Shigeta - 2006 Superintendent's Scholarship Award, Hawaii USA Federal Credit Union Scholarship.
• Noemi Solano - Creighton University Grant, Creighton University Academic Scholarship, Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation Scholarship.
• Keilyn Tanimoto - Hawaii USA Federal Credit Union Scholarship
• Kara Toma - Thomas H. Gentry Memorial Scholarship
• Cheryl Yasumoto - Pacific University Presidential Scholarship, Pacific Community Grant

Note: This list was compiled as of May 2, 2006

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser, Thursday, May 18, 2006 edition.]

At the Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation banquet held on May 17, 2006, numerous teachers, administrators, grant awardees and corporate supporters were honored. One of which is Florence Yamada.

According to the article:
"Florence Yamada, who during her 43 years of service as a state employee never took sick leave. Yamada who worked for 25 years as administrative services assistant at Aiea High School, secretary to the superintendent of education and executive secretary to the chief of staff in the governor's office."

Congratulations Florence Yamada for your many years of tireless service to our schools and community! This is an award well deserved!

(Click here for the official honoluluadvertiser.com article.)

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser, Tuesday, May 30, 2006 edition - High School Sports section]

Congratulations to the high school Girls Basketball League All-Stars from the district!

OIA White

• Co-Coach of the Year: Mike Yen (Aiea)


• First Team: Natasha Helsham (Pearl City)


• Honorable Mention: Capri Holiona (Aiea)


• Honorable Mention: Tasha Johnson (Aiea)


• Honorable Mention: Michelle Shiroma (Aiea)


• Honorable Mention: Jennifer Yuen (Aiea)

OIA West
+ Honorable Mention: Tiani Alatani (Pearl City)

(Click here for the full OIA White article.)
(Click here for the fill OIA West article.)

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser's 2006 Citizenship Awards newspaper insert.]

Congratulations to Mary Rose Parase Lansangan of Aiea High School and Marnelli Joy Basilio of Pearl City High School.

Mary Rose, according to the Advertiser, ranks first in her class of 251 students. She wil also be the first in her family to attend college.

"Mary Rose stands out in so many ways. She is an outstanding leader, an enthusiastic scholar, and a compassionate volunteer. As student government president, she sees that she can make a difference and has initiated her own unique projects to foster united and communication among students. She is a mix of assertiveness and humility, optimist and realist. She will, I have no doubt make a significant contributution to the community."
-Luana Fukutomi, College Counselor

Mary Rose will continue her studies at the University of California at Berkeley as a Biology major.

Marnelli Joy Basilio, according to the Advertiser, maintained a 3.7 GPA, performed over 1,200 hours of community service for the Pearl City Community Youth Organization United to Help (PCC YOUTH) and PRIDE Productions in the past six years, and currently serves as Youth Board President and holds and ex-officio seat on the PCC YOUTH Board of Directors.

In her own words, Marnelli writes in her personal statement:

"To persevere in the face of adversity, to demonstrate self-respect and the respect for others, to live life with intergrity, to integrate discipline in everything you do and to encourage others to make positive choices. These are the character traits I have learned to live by. These things are part of me now and have helped me become the person I am today."

Marnelli will continue her education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, majoring in Business Administration.

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser, Friday, June 2, 2006 edition]

Congratulations to Aiea High School senior Jennifer Lam for being awarded a Regional Coca-Cola Scholar! Jennifer was chosen from a pool of more than 50,000 students nationwide to receive a $10,000 scholarship based on her academic achievements, school and community service, leadership and desire to succeed.

(Click here for the official article)

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser, High School sports section in the Tuesday, June 6, 2006 edition.]

Ending our school year with a bang, High School Baseball, Water Polo and Judo are all honored today in the Honolulu Advertiser - High School Sports section!

Baseball
OIA West First Team:

• Coach of the Year: Ryan Kato - Aiea


• Player of the Year: Derek Grace- Aiea


• 2B: Dustin Kim Seu - Pearl City


• 3B: Derek Grace - Aiea


• SS: Casey Fujishige - Pearl City


• OF: Shane Koga - Aiea


• C: Tripper Chung - Aiea


• P: Cody Aquino - Aiea


• DH: Brian Morihara - Aiea

OIA West Second Team:

• 3B: Kurt Tanabe - Pearl City


• OF: Rorry Nakayama - Pearl City


• P: Jason Tamanaha - Pearl City

OIA West Honorable Mentions:

• Aiea: Kanekoa Ashing, Reid Nakamura, Anthony Tsui


• Pearl City: Jeff Domingo, Bryant Katakura, Matthew Ko, Chad Quillopo, Kellen Ushijima

(Click here for the official article)

• Roycelynn Dunleavy - Aiea
• Trisha Sato - Aiea
• Athena Souza - Aiea
• Natasha Souza - Aiea

Judo
OIA West Boys First Team:

• Coach of the Year - Ivan Yoshimura - Pearl City


• Player of the Year - Tyler Lauifi - Pearl City


• 121 - Jason Wong - Pearl City


• 132 - Ben Higa - Pearl City


• 145 - Brock Bal - Aiea


• 161 - Jeremiah Drumeller - Pearl City


• 178 - Christian Pavo - Pearl City


• 275 - Tyler Lauifi - Pearl City

OIA West Boys Second Team:

• 108 - Justin Leong - Pearl City


• 114 - Grant Tong - Pearl City


• 121 - Cory Oba - Pearl City


• 145 - Jordan Yokoyama - Pearl City


• 161 - Nicholas Pait - Pearl City


• 178 - Nathan Ancheta - Pearl City


• 198 - Aaron Puahala - Pearl City


• 220 - Andy Toyama - Pearl City

OIA West Girls First Team:

• Coach of the Year - Robin Puahala - Pearl City


• 109 - Paige Inouye - Pearl City


• 122 - Tonya Kageno - Pearl City


• 139 - Jillian Fontanilla - Pearl City


• 154 - Tiyana Arakaki - Pearl City


• 172 - Kelsey Awa - Pearl City


• 220 - Kasey Fujihara - Pearl City

OIA West Girls Second Team:

• 98 - Keani Hueu - Pearl City


• 103 - Jessica Domingo - Pearl City


• 109 - Kristin Inouye - Pearl City


• 115 - Kimberly Rivera - Pearl City


• 129 - Jolana Gallero - Pearl City


• 154 - Veah Tapat - Pearl City

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser, Tuesday, June 20, 2006 edition - High School Sports section.]

Congratulations to all the members from our district who are seated on the 2006 Advertiser All-State Team!

First Team:

• Tripper Chung - Aiea High School (Catcher)

Second Team:

• Derek Grace - Aiea High School (3B)

Honorable Mentions:

• Dustin Kim Soo - Pearl City High School (2B)


• Shane Koga - Aiea High School (OF)


• Cody Aquino - Aiea High School (P)


• Brian Morihara - Aiea High School (DH/U)

(Click here to view the full official article.)

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser, June 8, 2006 edition.]

Congratulations to Mary Rose Lansangan of Aiea High School for being one of three local recipients of the Toyota Community Scholarship worth $10,000 a year for four years.

"Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc. awarded 100 high school seniors across the country for their academic achievement and community service. Three Hawaii recipients were chosen from a pool of nearly 9,000 applicants nationwide."

(Click here to view the official article on honoluluadvertiser.com.)

[Taken from Hawaiian Telcom's Press Release - (offical link)]

"On June 4th, Hawaiian Telcom Directories presented cash prizes to the winners of its Keiki Art Contest, which drew entries from more than 1,600 public and private school students on Oahu. The winning artwork will be featured in the official 2006-2007 Oahu yellow page directory distributed to more than 1 million homes and businesses in October. Hawaiian Telcom Directories’ Keiki Art Contest, launched the beginning of April, was open to all public and private Oahu school students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Students were asked to portray the contest theme, “The Meaning of ‘Ohana,” by drawing or painting their favorite family activity or depicting what family means to them.

Prizes were awarded in four categories — kindergarten to second grade, third to fifth, sixth to eighth, and ninth to 12th — with first-place winners receiving $100; second place $75; and third place $50. In addition, each school with a first-place winner received $400.

Another highlight of the contest was a grand prize drawing open to all entrants for a weekend getaway for a family of four to Maui sponsored by ResortQuest® Hawaii and Island Air. As the winner, Raquel Palisbo of Highlands Intermediate School and three family members will enjoy two nights in a two-bedroom Garden View Suite at the ResortQuest at Papakea Resort."

Out of the 100 entries to be featured in the Hawaiian Telcom Yellow Pages, here are some of our district winners!

Grade 6-8 Division: 2nd place winner Katy Chen of Aiea Intermediate School (Grade 7)
Grade 9-12 Division: 3rd place winner Hanam Mun of Aiea High School (Grade 9)

Honorable Mentions:
-McKenna Noland of Momilani Elementary (Grade 2)
-Randi Shioi of Momilani Elementary (Grade 2)
-Williandrea Williander of Aiea High School (Grade 9)
-Allison Sakakida of Aiea High School (Grade 9)
-Sheana Fuentes of Aiea High School (Grade 10)
-Chantel Peterson of Aiea High School (Grade 11)
-Kristel Kolish of Aiea High School (Grade 11)

Congratulations to all participants and winners! Be sure to visit the Hawaiian Telcom Gallery to view all of the student artwork! (Click here to visit the gallery.)

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser, August 11, 2006 edition, sports section]

Congratulations to the Pearl City Little League Juniors Division whom are advancing to the World Series for 13- and 14-year olds in Taylor, Michigan for the third consective year!

We are all rooting for you!

(Click here to view the official article as posted at Honoluluadvertiser.com)

[As printed in the "humanities NEWS", Newsletter of the Hawaii Council for the Humanities; Issue 06-1 (Summer 2006)]

"More than 2000 students in grades 4 through 12 from 47 schools in the state developed research essays, interpretive displays, perfomances, documentaries, and websites on topics reflecting the theme "Taking a Stand in History."

On April 8, students who had qualified at district fairs for the 16th annual statewide competition gathered at Hawaii State History Day 2006, held for the first time at Windward Community College. At the end of the day, students, parents and teachers waited for the announcement of awards and qualifiers for National History Day, held at the University of Maryland, College Park, June 11-15."

Hawaii State History Day Awards

• 3rd Place Historical Research Essay - Aaron Santos, Aiea Intermediate: "Taking a Stand in the American Revolution: The Battle of Lexington and Concord"


• Display - Shaun Aksionozyk, Hideki Ito and Stephen Vea, Aiea Intermediate: "Muhammed Ali: Fight for Equality"

Special Awards for Hawaii History Day

• UH - Center for Biographical Research Junior Division Award - Joshua Wells, Aiea Intermediate: "Mahatma Gandhi: Standing Tall for India's Freedom"


• Bendon Family Foundation - Shaun Aksionozyk, Hideki Ito and Stephen Vea, Aiea Intermediate: "Muhammad Ali: Fight for Equality"


• Foundation for Hawaii Women's History, Inc. - Erin Hollmann, Jennifer Leung Wai and Jessica Partlowe, Aiea Intermediate: "Taking a Stand Against the Injustice of Slavery"


• Japanese Culture Center - Evan Schlaich, Ren Tachino and Tyler Yafuso, Highlands Intermediate: "Bombing of Pearl Harbor"


• Sons and Daughters of the 100th Infantry Battalion Junior Division Award - Joshua Wells, Aiea Intermediate: "Mahatma Gandhi: Standing Tall for India's Freedom"


• Sons and Daughters of the 100th Infantry Battalion Junior Division Award - Rachel Gima, Aiea Intermediate: "Queen Liliuokalani: Taking an Unsuccessful Stand for Her People"


• Sons and Daughters of the 100th Infantry Battalion Junior Division Award - Tracy Lau, Aiea Intermediate: "Queen Liliuokalani: The Last Hawaiian Monarch Who Took a Stand for Her People"

In addition, Aiea Intermediate School was also highlighted in this issue of "humanities NEWS"! By the efforts of teachers Robert Tabije and Trisha Toyama-Wakumoto, all 290 8th graders participated in History Day. Aiea Intermediate teachers from various departments work together to create an involved enviroment of learning to promote independant thought, and challenge each student to think out of the book.
Their efforts do not go unnoticed! Of the students who participated and succeeded to the state competition, Aiea had an overwhelming turn out, well-representing our district.

Congratulations to all the participants of the 2006 Hawaii State History Day!

[As printed in the Honolulu Advertiser, August 1, 2006.]

"Since its inception 18 years ago, Fun Factory, Inc. has contributed $360,000 to the Fun Factory/University Scholarship Program to reward outstanding high school seniors for their academic achievements and to provide them an incentive to remain in Hawaii for their college education.

Each Fun Factory/University of Hawaii Scholar will receive $1000 and a one-year tuition waiver to the University of Hawaii.

Fun Factory and the University of Hawaii congratulate these 25 outstanding students and wish them much success as they continue their education at the University of Hawaii.

Congratulations to our district scholars!

Jessica Fabrigas - Pearl City High School
Leslie Fujii - Pearl City High School
Nadine Kawabata - Aiea High School

Much luck during your first year at the University of Hawaii!

[As printed in the Honolulu Advertiser, July 20, 2006.]

"Awarded for academic excellence, these full scholarships support top Hawaii students as part of UH's commitment and service to the state.

The university awards Regents Scholarships to 20 outstanding first-year students who